Athletes let 'lights shine' in Special Olympics of New Hampshire

DURHAM — Winning medals is always rewarding, but for the athletes competing in the 45th annual Special Olympics of New Hampshire, another message seemed more important.

Karen Dandurant

DURHAM — Winning medals is always rewarding, but for the athletes competing in the 45th annual Special Olympics of New Hampshire, another message seemed more important.

Gabby Hoddman, a para-professional for the Dover team, might have said it best.

"Yes, they love to win, but really it's about having a great time, about having pride," said Hoddman. "Everyone feels safe here. Here they are not different."

Alex Satterfield, a coach for the Dover team, agreed.

"It is really something seeing what everyone can do," he said. "They all operate at different levels."

The 45th New Hampshire summer games began Friday, and will wrap up today at the University of New Hampshire. The athletes range in age from 8 years old to their 80's, said Gretyl Macalaster, communications and grant manager for SONH.

"Some of our athletes have been doing this for 19-20 years," said Alan Knobloch, volunteer coordinator for SONH.

The event includes competition in athletics, aquatics, bocce and equestrian. Hundreds of volunteers, including members of law enforcement, donate their time to run events, entertain athletes and provide free health screenings through the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program.

Somersworth resident Debra Peare had two children competing, a son, Daniel, 15, and a daughter, Victoria, 20. She said this is Victoria's 12th year.

"I don't have a favorite event because I just like to do them all," said Daniel, who was, in fact, competing in several events.

When they weren't competing, they were entertained. Following the sound of lots of hammering, you could find Olympic Village, where everyone was building something. Wayne Joaquin of Home Depot said the company donates all materials each year for the athletes to build small wood projects like a bird house, flower pot, baby cradle, tool kits, or even Trojan Horses that are really piggy banks.

Police participating in the annual Torch Run entered the Opening Ceremonies with the "Flame of Hope." This is the 30th year law enforcement has partnered with SONH.

Competition resumes at 9 a.m. today and continues throughout the day. Equestrian competition will begin at the Light Horse Barn at 9 a.m. All competitions are free and open to the public.

"Forty-five years ago, we could not have imagined SONH would have the statewide impact it has today on athletes and communities," said Mary Conroy, president of SONH. "Our State Summer Games allow Special Olympics New Hampshire a chance to highlight and celebrate the more than 5,608 amazing athletes that train year-round in 14 sports through 88 Local Programs, and to encourage more residents with intellectual disabilities to get involved and let their own lights shine."

Macalaster said the Founder's Award went this year to William Jones, a parent, volunteer and former member of the Board of Directors.

"He is a part-time volunteer and has helped start 29 young-athletes programs for kids ages 2 to 7," Macalaster said. "They train to be ready to join Special Olympics when they are 8 years old."

Macalaster said SONH has a team of 59 members representing the Granite State at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in Mercer County, N.J. in June.

The Summer Games could not happen without the work of volunteers and partners: Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, Napoli Group/McDonald's, Circle K, Irving, Marshall's Tent & Event Rental and Harvest Market/Associated Grocers. The Knights of Columbus and the Law Enforcement Torch Run are also key supporters.

Results from the 2014 State Summer Games will be posted at www.sonh.org. You can also follow on Facebook (SpecialOlympicsNH), Twitter (@SONewHampshire), and Instagram (@SONewHampshire).

Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) is an accredited program of Special Olympics International (SOI) and is part of an international global movement that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. SONH was founded in 1970 with the first State Summer Games at Phillips Exeter Academy.

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